Hannibal, MO - After a successful site review, Hannibal Regional Hospital Foundation received notification that a second year of funding from the Missouri Foundation for Health will be granted in support of HannibalRegionalHospital’s Diabetes and Wound/Ostomy Center.

The Missouri Foundation for Health grant has allowed the Diabetes and Wound/Ostomy Center to expand diabetic services offered in northeast Missouri.  Along with private consultation, patients are able to access educational and nutritional information in a group setting allowing for more patients to access services.  The priority of the Diabetes and Wound/Ostomy Center is to effectively reach patients with diabetes and offer encouragement, compassion and education to empower them to better manage their condition. 

Betty Louderman, RN, BSN, CWCN Diabetes educator and Certified wound/ostomy nurse, explains, “Our program is patient-centered, focusing on the self management of diabetes with the patient concerns being foremost.” Mrs. Louderman goes on to state, “The funding from Missouri Foundation for Health has allowed us to reach further into our community, collaborate with more community healthcare centers and truly help change the lives of our patients.  In our support group sessions, taught by a registered nurse and a certified diabetes educator/dietician, patients learn to monitor their blood sugar to better alert them to concerns regarding their response to food and exercise.  The patient learns portion control along with tips for preparing healthy foods.  The education includes importance of medication compliance and communication with their health care provider.”

The Hannibal Regional Hospital Diabetes Support Group meets the first Wednesday of every month from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at HannibalRegionalHospital.  For more information you may call Mrs. Louderman at 573-406-5823